Daily Number

47

December 18, 2012

The Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit civil rights organization dedicated to fighting bigotry, has identified 47 separate hate groups operating in New Jersey. That ranks it fourth in the nation in terms of the number of groups currently operating, behind California, Georgia, and Florida.

The majority (25) of the New Jersey groups are classified as "racist-skinhead," but the SPLC says there are nine black separatist organizations, eight neo-nazi groups, four white nationalist groups, and a racist music organization. The groups are spread across the state.

Hate groups are classified as the work of more than one individual. Being labeled an active group does not imply that the group advocates or engages in violence. However, activities can include criminal acts, as well as rallies, speeches, meetings, leafleting, and publishing.